Praying Together 2021

9 Week Gather Light a candle as a sign of God’s presence and sit quietly. Ring a bell or chime to start the prayer. The Lord be with you! And with your spirit. COLLECT Today we remember the outstanding faith and courage of the martyr, Saint Agatha. Let us pray for all those who suffer persecution in the world. (pause) Faithful God, by the prayers of Saint Agatha, may we remain true to the gospel of Jesus in times of hardship and distress. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. SCRIPTURE A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark 1:29-34 As soon as Jesus left the meeting place with James and John, they went home with Simon and Andrew. When they got there, Jesus was told that Simon’s mother-in-law was sick in bed with fever. Jesus went to her. He took hold of her hand and helped her up. The fever left her, and she served them a meal. That evening after sunset, all who were sick or had demons in them were brought to Jesus. In fact, the whole town gathered around the door of the house. Jesus healed all kinds of terrible diseases and forced out a lot of demons. The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ. RESPONSE Walking by the light of Christ, let us pray that Christ will dispel the darkness of this world. For people who are mentally ill or depressed: (pause) We pray as one. Gracious God, hear our prayer. For people who are trapped by addiction: (pause) We pray as one. Gracious God, hear our prayer. For people who are held in slavery or prison: (pause) We pray as one. Gracious God, hear our prayer. For people who suffer discrimination: (pause) We pray as one. Gracious God, hear our prayer. For the prayers in our hearts today: (pause while students offer their prayers aloud) We pray as one. Gracious God, hear our prayer. DISMISSAL May the wisdom of the Spirit sustain us. Amen. May God bless us in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Ring the bell or chime to signal the end of the prayer. Extinguish the candle. Friday St Agatha 5 February 2021 “Jesus healed all kinds of terrible diseases.”